Closure element for a tapered outlet of an intermediate bulk container

Abstract

The invention relates to a closure element (1) for an intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet (2). The closure element (1) is at least partially made of plastic material and has, in the absence of external forces acting on it, an undeformed overall shape in an undeformed state. The closure element (1) comprises 1) a first section (9), with an outer surface (10) of the first section substantially corresponding to a right cone in the undeformed state, wherein in the undeformed state an angle (β) between a generatrix of the outer surface (10) and the axis (11) of the outer surface is between 40° and 50°, and wherein in a sealing state, the closure element (1) is oriented relatively to the tapered outlet (2) such that the outer surface (10) of the first section (9) is oriented away from the exit area (7) and the base of the outer surface (10) of the first section (9) faces the exit area (7), and wherein in the sealing state, the closure element (1) is arranged in the interior (6) of the tapered outlet (2) in such a way that it seals parts of the interior (6) which face the outer surface (10) from an exit area (7) of the tapered outlet (2), 2) a second section (12) connected to the first section and embodied as a solid of revolution in the undeformed state, wherein the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12) corresponds to the axis (11) of the outer surface (10) of the first section (9), wherein the second section (12) comprises a protruding edge (13), with the protruding edge pointing away from the axis (11) of revolution of the second section, and 3) a third section (16) connected to the second section (12), wherein the third section extends circumferentially around the second section (12), wherein the third section (16) comprises at least one bearing surface, and wherein the closure element (1) is such that in the sealing state, at least the at least one bearing surface is in contact with the tapered outlet (2).

Description

[0001] Closure Element for a Tapered Outlet of an Intermediate Bulk Container

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to a closure element for an intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Intermediate bulk containers are industrial-grade containers engineered for mass / bulk handling, transport, and storage of liquids, semi-solids, pastes, or solids. The two main categories of intermediate bulk container are flexible intermediate bulk containers and rigid intermediate bulk containers.

[0006] In order to empty solids from intermediate bulk containers, intermediate bulk containers as known in the prior art comprise a closure element which may interact with an actuation arrangement: the actuation arrangement may displace / move the closure element in such a way that an annular gap is opened between an exit area of an, in particular tapered, outlet of the intermediate bulk container and the closure element. In case the outlet is arranged in the lower part of the intermediate bulk container, for example, bulk material in the intermediate bulk container passes through the annular gap under the influence of gravity.

[0007] Such known intermediate bulk containers with tapered outlets are often made of stainless steel and are available in a plurality of known sizes. In the prior art, closure elements in the form of cone-shaped valves are available. Close to the fictional base of the cone of the cone valve and on the side of the cone facing the fictional base, a seal is attached to the cone, with the seal running around the entire circumference of the cone close to the fictional base and extending at least partly on the other side of the fictional base with respect to the cone. The seal encloses, together with a profile extending away from the cone, a sealed chamber. To seal the

[0008] 28619-WOl ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0009] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG intermediate bulk container, the cone valve is inserted into the tapered outlet, with the seal attached to the cone valve contacting the tapered outlet. When the cone is pressed downwards and against the tapered outlet, e.g. by bulk material in the intermediate bulk container, the sealed chamber functions as a cushion.

[0010] One disadvantage of such known cone valves with seal is that they are often difficult to assemble and repair, as the seal needs to be attached / glued / bonded to the cone in an elaborated and expensive manner. A repair of a cone valve may be required, for example, due to material degradation of the seal over time. Accordingly, such known seals for cone valves are typically cumbersome to replace.

[0011] As the cone valve and the intermediate bulk container are frequently washed before the container is filled or refilled with bulk material, in each such washing step gradual degradation of the bonding of the seal may occur due to pressure increase in the sealed chamber, the pressure increase causing stress in the bonding agent typically made from vulcanised silicone. Over time, the integrity of the bonding agent may be reduced and the seal may become leaky. Satisfactory sealing behaviour of such known cone valves is only shown in case the sealed chamber is airtight, however. Sealing behaviour of cone valves as known in the prior art therefore tends to degrade over time.

[0012] Further, once integrity of the sealed chamber has been compromised, the pressure applied on the sealed chamber when the cone valve closes the tapered outlet causes air to be evacuated from the chamber. Once the cone valve is raised and the tapered outlet opened again, air, possibly together with dust or other contaminants, is sucked into the chamber through the leaky seal. Accordingly, such known cone valves have the further disadvantage that the risk for contamination is increased, potentially causing problems in pharmaceutical applications or applications involving comestible goods.

[0013] Another disadvantage of such known cone valves is that they are prone to tilt when placed in the tapered outlet due to their shape, thereby causing further issues with respect to tightness of the tapered outlet of the intermediate bulk container.

[0014] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0015] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG Summary of the invention

[0016] It is the object of the invention to create a closure element pertaining to the technical field initially mentioned that mitigates at least some of the disadvantages of closure elements as known in the prior art.

[0017] The solution of the invention is specified by the features of claim 1. The invention relates to a closure element for an intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet, with the tapered outlet comprising a first truncated right cone part and a second truncated right cone part connected to the first truncated right cone part, with the axis of the first truncated right cone part being coincident with the axis of the second truncated right cone part, wherein an angle between a generatrix of the first truncated right cone part and the axis of the first truncated right cone part is between 10° and 22°, in particular between 14° to 18°, preferentially equal to 16°, and wherein an angle between a generatrix of the second truncated right cone part and the axis of the second truncated right cone part is between 20° to 40°, in particular between 25° to 35°, preferentially equal to 30°, wherein the tapered outlet encloses an interior at least partly and wherein an exit area of the tapered outlet is provided at the truncated end of the first truncated right cone part. The closure element is at least partially made of plastic material and has, in the absence of external forces acting on it, an undeformed overall shape in an undeformed state. The closure element comprises a) a first section, with an outer surface of the first section substantially corresponding to a right cone in the undeformed state, wherein in the undeformed state an angle between a generatrix of the outer surface and the axis of the outer surface is between 40° and 50°, and wherein in a sealing state, the closure element is oriented relatively to the tapered outlet such that the outer surface of the first section is oriented away from the exit area and the base of the outer surface of the first section faces the exit area, and wherein in the sealing state, the closure element is arranged in the interior of the tapered outlet in such a way that it seals part of the interior which faces the outer surface from the exit area, b) a second section connected to the first section and embodied as a solid of revolution in the undeformed state, wherein the axis of revolution of the second section corresponds to the

[0018] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0019] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG axis of the outer surface of the first section, wherein the second section comprises a protruding edge, with the protruding edge pointing away from the axis of revolution of the second section, and c) a third section connected to the second section, wherein the third section extends circumferentially around the second section, wherein the third section comprises at least one bearing surface, and wherein the closure element is such that in the sealing state, at least the at least one bearing surface is in contact with the tapered outlet.

[0020] The intermediate bulk container is preferentially embodied as a rigid intermediate bulk container. The tapered outlet comprises a first truncated right cone part and a second truncated right cone part connected to the first truncated right cone part. The second truncated right cone part is connected in such a way to the first truncated right cone part that the base of the first truncated right cone part is arranged at the truncated end of the second truncated right cone part. The tapered outlet may in particular provide functionality of a funnel for emptying the intermediate bulk container.

[0021] A right cone is a cone for which its axis passes through the centre of the cone's base at right angles to the base, while a truncated right cone is a right cone cut off by a plane (i) parallel to the base and (ii) not passing through the apex of the right cone. A truncated right cone therefore extends between its base and the cut-off plane. The perimeter of the base of a (truncated) right cone may be termed directrix and each of the line segments between the directrix and the (in case of a truncated right cone fictional) apex is a generatrix. Accordingly, for a (truncated) right cone, infinitely many generatrices exist, and each generatrix has the same angle with respect to the axis of the (truncated) right cone.

[0022] The geometry of the tapered outlet is pre-given for the purposes of the closure element according to the invention. Accordingly, closure elements according to the invention are designed for retrofitting them into pre-existing intermediate bulk containers with such tapered outlets. Advantageously, sealing behaviour of existing intermediate bulk containers may thereby be improved by replacing existing closure elements with closure elements according to the invention.

[0023] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0024] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG The closure element according to the invention is further simple to construct, in particular as compared to closure elements as known in the prior art, as it does not require a dedicated seal and sealed chamber. Due to its reduced number of parts compared to closure elements as known in the prior art, the closure element according to the invention advantageously also has a smaller mass than known closure elements, in particular in case the entire closure element is made with plastic material. The closure element according to the invention may advantageously be used with pre-existing actuation arrangements. Alternatively, a dedicated actuation arrangement may be designed for / used with the closure arrangement according to the invention as well, which dedicated actuation arrangement may in particular be adapted to the specific shape of the closure arrangement according to the invention.

[0025] The inventive closure element comprises a first section, a second section and a third section, with the first section and the second section being connected to each other and with the second section and the third section being connected to each other. The second section preferentially may be connected to the first section near the fictional base of the right cone. The first section comprises an outer surface, which outer surface is substantially embodied as a right cone. When the closure element is arranged in the tapered outlet, the outer surface of the first section typically faces away from the exit area of the tapered outlet and toward the inside of the intermediate bulk container.

[0026] The closure element is designed for a tapered outlet with (i) an angle between a generatrix of the first truncated right cone part and the axis of the first truncated right cone part between 10° and 22°, in particular equal to 16°, and with (ii) an angle between a generatrix of the second truncated right cone part and the axis of the second truncated right cone part between 20° to 40°, in particular equal to 30°. The closure element is designed in such a way that, together with an actuation arrangement described further below, access to the exit area from the intermediate bulk container can be selectively provided. Accordingly, when arranged in the tapered outlet, the closure element may be in a sealing state or an opening state.

[0027] Sealing state and opening state may be described with reference to a displacement of the closure element along the axis of the tapered outlet, which axis of the tapered outlet corresponds to the coincident axes of the first truncated right cone part and of the second

[0028] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0029] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG truncated right cone part, in which tapered outlet the closure element may be arranged: 1) The sealing state corresponds to a sealing position of the closure element in the tapered outlet in which it blocks access / bulk material flow to the exit area of the tapered outlet from the intermediate bulk container; the closure element may be such that when in the sealing state, the closure element may not be displaced any further along the axis of the tapered outlet towards the fictional apex of the first truncated right cone part by forces acting along the axis of the tapered outlet towards the fictional apex of the first truncated right cone part; more specifically, the closure element may be designed to be able to withhold forces caused by bulk material above it when in the sealing position; 2) The opening state may correspond to any state in which the closure element is positioned in such a way in, in particular relative to, the tapered outlet that an access / bulk material flow from the intermediate bulk container to the exit area of the tapered outlet is provided / possible; as such, there may be infinitely many opening states; the opening state may be obtained by displacing the closure element from the sealing position along the axis of the tapered outlet towards the base of the second truncated right cone part, i.e. away from the fictional apex of the first truncated right cone part.

[0030] The angle between the generatrix of the outer surface of the first section and the axis of the outer surface provides the effect that when the closure element is in the sealing state, forces acting on the first section, e.g. by bulk material above the closure element, are channelled in an advantageous manner via the third section into the tapered outlet, thereby increasing the stability of the closure element itself and improving overall sealing as the closure element is pushed into or towards the tapered outlet by the bulk material above it.

[0031] The closure element according to the invention is at least partially made of plastic material. Preferentially, at least the second section and the third section are made of plastic material. Preferentially, the first section may be made of plastic material as well. The parts of the closure element that are made of plastic material may be made of a same plastic material or may be made of different plastic materials. The closure element is embodied in such a way that it may at least partially reversibly deform under the influence of external forces acting on it if such external forces are not too large; the closure element may therefore at least partially exhibit elastic behaviour. Due to this reversible deformability, the closure element according to the invention may advantageously adapt itself to existing geometries of tapered outlets that may

[0032] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0033] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG differ from nominal geometries of tapered outlets. While the tapered outlet to which the closure element according to the invention may be applied is nominally embodied as a circle in each plane parallel to the base of the first truncated right cone part and of the second truncated right cone part, in practice the tapered outlet may differ from such a nominal shape. Due to its deformability, the inventive closure element advantageously may accommodate such differences.

[0034] The second section is embodied as a solid of revolution. Mathematically / geometrically speaking, the second section therefore corresponds to a plane figure rotated around an axis of revolution. The axis of revolution of the second section of the closure element is coincident with the axis of the outer surface of the first section. Accordingly, for each plane defined by (i) a generatrix of the outer surface and (ii) the axis of the outer surface, the shape of the part of the second section lying in that plane is substantially independent of the specific selected generatrix. The second section may have a main direction of extent, which main direction of extent may extend between the connection of the second section with the first section and a distal end of the second section with respect to the first section, and which main direction of extent may be substantially parallel to the axis of revolution of the second section.

[0035] The third section is connected to the second section, wherein the third section extends circumferentially around the second section, wherein the third section comprises at least one bearing surface, and wherein the closure element is such that in the sealing state, at least the at least one bearing surface is in contact with the tapered outlet.

[0036] The closure element is such that in the sealing state at least the third section, specifically the at least one bearing surface of the third section, is in contact with the tapered outlet. In the sealing state, the second section, in particular the protruding edge thereof, may also be in contact with the tapered outlet. The third section of the closure element is designed in such a way that when the closure element is in the interior of the tapered outlet, the closure element may not pass, in particular fall, through the exit area of the tapered outlet without a deliberately applied deformation to the closure element, i.e. the contact between the at least one bearing surface of the third section and the tapered outlet may retain the closure element in the interior of the tapered outlet when in the sealing state.

[0037] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0038] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG It is important to note that the geometric description of the first section, of the second section and of the third section, i.e. (i) the specification of the outer surface of the first section as substantially corresponding to a right cone with the specified possible range of angular values between a generatrix of the outer surface and the, in particular vertical, axis of the outer surface, (ii) the specification of the second section as a solid of revolution, and (iii) the specification of the third section, primarily refers to an undeformed state of the closure element. When subjugated to forces during use in the tapered outlet, the closure element may deform, e.g. caused by the force of the bulk material above it and the tapered outlet and the actuation arrangement below it, specifically the contact member of the actuation arrangement described below. Due to such possible deformation in the sealing state, the first section may for example no longer have a substantially conical outer surface and / or the second section for example may no longer geometrically correspond to a, in particular initial, solid of revolution.

[0039] The closure element and optionally the actuation arrangement are preferentially designed in such a way that in the sealing state the first section substantially retains its undeformed shape. The closure element is designed in such a way that when it is in the sealing state in the tapered outlet, a generatrix of the outer surface of the first section preferentially forms an angle of 45° with respect to the axis of the tapered outlet.

[0040] When moving the closure element from an opening state to the sealing state in the tapered outlet along the axis of the tapered outlet, the second section may be at least partly bent inwards, i.e. towards the axis of revolution, once it starts contacting the tapered outlet. Accordingly, the closure element is embodied in such a way that it may at least partly deform while being moved from an opening state into the sealing state. The closure element may be made in such a way that the deformation that occurs while being moved from an opening state to the sealing state is reversible. Accordingly, the closure element may advantageously be moved a plurality of times between an opening state and the sealing state.

[0041] The third section may be embodied in such a way that, if measured in a direction orthogonal to the main direction of extent of the second section, the part of the third section lying in a plane in which the axis of revolution of the second section lies may have varying thickness. Starting from the connection of the second section to the first section and proceeding along the main

[0042] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0043] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG direction of extent, the thickness of the third section may first increase before decreasing again. At points where the second section and the third section jointly have reduced thickness, the second section may be more easily deformed, in particular bent, than at other parts with larger thickness. The second section may advantageously be deformable, in particular bendable, at the connection between the first section and the second section so that the closure element is adaptable to the tapered outlet.

[0044] In case the second section and the third section jointly comprise a part with reduced thickness and a part with larger thickness as described above, while being moved from an opening state into the sealing state, the second section may at least partly deform, in particular bend, at the part of reduced thickness. The closure element may be designed in such a way that when it reaches the sealing state, the force causing this deformation, in particular bending, may at least partly disappear so that the restoration forces in the deformed second section cause the deformation, in particular bending, to at least partly reverse.

[0045] The closure element is embodied such that the protruding edge points away from the axis of revolution of the second section. The closure element is embodied such that when being moved from an opening state to the sealing state or from the sealing state to an opening state in the tapered outlet, the protruding edge is at least partly in contact with the tapered outlet, specifically a part of an inner outlet surface of the tapered outlet, which inner outlet surface faces the interior which is at least partly enclosed by the tapered outlet. Advantageously, when being moved from an opening state to the sealing state or from the sealing state to an opening state, the protruding edge of the closure element sweeps at least the part of the inner outlet surface which it comes in contact with, and thereby advantageously cleans / scrapes at least the part of the inner outlet surface from bulk material, dust or other contaminants possibly adhering to the inner outlet surface of the tapered outlet.

[0046] The second section of the closure element may preferably be designed such that when the closure element is in the sealing state in the tapered outlet, the protruding edge of the second section at least partly encloses end parts of the tapered outlet, which end parts face the exit area. The closure element may preferably be embodied such that once the protruding edge is moved past the tapered outlet, wherein this position of the closure element may correspond to

[0047] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0048] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG the sealing state, the restoration forces in the second section cause the second section to at least partly reverse the deformation caused when moving from an opening state towards the sealing state. The closure element may be such that after this at least partial restoration of its shape, the protruding edge of the second section may be below the tapered outlet, i.e. at least partly enclose the end parts of the tapered outlet from below: once this clipping effect from the protruding edge to the tapered outlet has occurred, the closure element may advantageously be held securely in place in the tapered outlet, in particular through the contact between the at least one bearing surface of the third section and the tapered outlet, and seal the tapered outlet, in particular through the contact between the second section and the tapered outlet. This clipping between the protruding edge and the tapered outlet may further advantageously also prevent pivoting / tilting of the closure element, in case of uneven pressure applied on the closure element, around a possible pivoting axis lying in the fictional base of the outer surface. The clipping between the protruding edge and the tapered outlet may advantageously provide a self-locking of the closure element into the tapered outlet.

[0049] In an embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the protruding edge of the second section is at a distal end of the second section with respect to the first section.

[0050] The closure element may be such that when being moved from an opening state to the sealing state, the protruding edge advantageously comes first into contact with the tapered outlet.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the third section comprises a first region, which first region is at least discretely rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis of revolution of the second section, and wherein the first region of the third section comprises, in a plane in which the axis of revolution of the second section lies, a principal direction of extent, wherein an angle between the principal direction of extent and a generatrix of the outer surface, which generatrix lies in the plane, is between 60° to 90°, in particular between 70° to 80°, preferentially equal to 75°.

[0052] Rotational symmetry of the first region of the third section may be defined with respect to the axis of revolution of the second section. The first region of the third section may be discretely rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis of revolution of the second section if only a finite number of distinct angles of rotation, a rotation of 360° being excluded, exist which leave the

[0053] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0054] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG first region of the third section visually unchanged after such a rotation. The first region of the third section may be at least discretely rotationally symmetric, i.e. the third section may also be embodied in such a way that it is rotationally symmetric under any angle of rotation around the axis of revolution of the second section. In case the first region of the third section is only discretely rotationally symmetric, the first region of the third section may correspond to a plurality of physically separate parts, with each of these physically separate parts only being connected to the second section and not to one another.

[0055] The third section may also only comprise the at least discretely rotationally symmetric first region, i.e. the third section and the first region may be equivalent. Alternatively, the third section may comprise both an at least discretely rotationally symmetric first region and a second region as discussed further below. The first section may also only comprise the second region as discussed further below, i.e. the third section and the second region may be equivalent.

[0056] The first region of the third section may comprise, in a plane in which the axis of revolution of the second section lies, a principal direction of extent, wherein an angle between the principal direction of extent and a generatrix of the outer surface of the first section, which generatrix lies in the plane, may be between 60° to 90°. This plane may be chosen such that it also cuts the first region of the third section. The part of the second section that lies in the chosen plane may also comprise the main direction of extent as discussed above, wherein the main direction of extent may extend between the connection of the second section with the first section and a distal end of the second section with respect to the first section.

[0057] The principal direction of extent may be defined as a straight line that extends along, in particular parallel to, a bearing surface of the first region of the third section at which bearing surface the closure element is in contact with the tapered outlet in the sealing state, specifically in contact with the second truncated right cone part. In case the first region of the third section is only discretely rotationally symmetric, each of the physically separate parts constituting the third section may have its own principal direction of extent and a respective bearing surface. In case the first region of the third section is rotationally symmetric under any angle of rotation around the axis of revolution of the second section, the first region of the third section may comprise infinitely many principal directions of extent as any plane in which the axis of

[0058] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0059] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG revolution lies also cuts the third section, as well as one continuous bearing surface. Each of these principal directions of extent may have a same angle with respect to the corresponding generatrix of the outer surface.

[0060] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the first region of the third section comprises N triangular support elements, in particular four triangular support elements, which point away from the axis of revolution of the second section, with N being an even or odd natural number greater than or equal to four, wherein the N triangular support elements are arranged at a substantially same height with respect to the axis of revolution of the second section, and wherein the N triangular support elements are spaced in an angularly uniform manner around the second section with an angle of 360° / / V between any two neighbouring triangular support elements, and wherein each of the N triangular support elements comprises a respective bearing surface at which in the sealing state the respective triangular support element is in contact with the tapered outlet, wherein the principal direction of extent is substantially parallel to the N bearing surfaces of the N triangular support elements.

[0061] In case of four triangular support elements, any two neighbouring triangular support elements may be angularly spaced from one another by 90°. The N triangular support elements may substantially correspond to triangular prisms. One side of each of the N triangular support elements may be connected to the second section. Each of the N triangular support elements may comprise a side, at which side the respective bearing surface is located, that may contact the tapered outlet, specifically the second truncated right cone part, when the closure element is in the sealing state; the principal direction of extent of each triangular support element may be parallel to this side. The N triangular support elements may be designed in such a way that when the closure element is in the interior of the tapered outlet, the closure element may not pass, in particular fall, through the exit area of the tapered outlet without a deliberately applied deformation to the closure element. The N triangular support elements may therefore hold the closure element in the interior of the tapered outlet.

[0062] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, in the undeformed state, a diameter of the second section at a distal end of the second section with respect to the first section is larger than the diameter of the exit area.

[0063] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0064] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG In case the diameter of the second section at a distal end of the second section with respect to the first section is larger than the diameter of the exit area of the tapered outlet, the closure element may advantageously not fall through the exit area when placed in the tapered outlet without needing further fastening means.

[0065] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the third section comprises a second region, which second region comprises M support elements that point away from the axis of revolution of the second section, wherein each of the M support elements comprises a respective direction of protrusion, with the M directions of protrusion being parallel to one another and in particular parallel to a plane in which the axis of revolution of the second section lies and which plane passes through the apex of the outer surface of the first section, wherein each of the M support elements comprises a respective bearing surface at which in the sealing state the respective support element is in contact with the tapered outlet. M denotes a positive natural number. The number M of support elements and / or the number N of triangular support elements may depend on a diameter of the closure element.

[0066] The direction of protrusion of each of the M support elements may be defined between (i) a distal point of the respective support element which is furthest away from the second section, and (ii) the corresponding point in the second section which corresponding point is closest to the distal point. The specific shape of the bearing surfaces of the M support elements may depend on the angular position of the M support elements around the second section. The M support elements may be shaped such that each bearing surface extensively contacts the tapered outlet when in the sealing state, i.e. the bearing surfaces may be adapted to the local curvature of the tapered outlet.

[0067] In case the third section only comprises the second region, i.e. in case the second region and the third section are equivalent, the closure element may advantageously be created in a simple manner through injection moulding. Thermally heated plastic material may be injected into a mould cavity between two mould halves, which mould halves may be separated after the plastic material has cooled in the mould cavity. The separation of the mould halves may occur by relative movement between the two mould halves along the parallel directions of protrusion of the M support elements.

[0068] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0069] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG In case the third section comprises (i) the first region with four triangular support elements which are angularly spaced from one another by 90°, and (ii) the second region, the closure element may advantageously be created in a simple manner as well through injection moulding. The M directions of protrusion may be arranged parallel to a plane in which the axis of revolution of the second section lies, which plane passes through the apex of the outer surface of the first section, and which plane further passes through two of the four triangular support elements.

[0070] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the closure element is deformable in a direction orthogonal to the axis of the outer surface to such an extent that the distal end of the second section with respect to the first section is movable along the axis of the first truncated right cone part and of the second truncated right cone part through the exit area into the interior that is at least partly enclosed by the tapered outlet.

[0071] The closure element may advantageously be deformable to such an extent that after being sufficiently deformed it can be inserted through the exit area of the tapered outlet into the interior that is at least partly enclosed by the tapered outlet. Such a closure element may therefore advantageously provide an increased freedom of installation in the tapered outlet. Closure elements as known in the prior art, which closure elements are typically rigid, may only be inserted into the tapered outlet through the inlet of the intermediate bulk container.

[0072] The closure element may be slightly ovalised and thereby be inserted into the tapered outlet through the exit area. Advantageously, the closure element may therefore be mounted in the tapered outlet in a simplified manner compared to closure elements as known in the prior art. Alternatively, as with closure elements as known in the prior art, the closure element may also be inserted into the tapered outlet through the inlet of the intermediate bulk container, or alternatively also into the tapered outlet of an intermediate bulk container without any inlet.

[0073] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the tapered outlet comprises an inner outlet surface which faces the interior, and the closure element is dimensioned in such a way that in the sealing state, the third section is in direct contact with the inner outlet surface of the tapered outlet and the protruding edge of the second section is in direct contact with end parts of the tapered outlet facing the exit area, wherein in the sealing state the protruding edge and the end parts of the tapered outlet together provide a clipping

[0074] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0075] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG mechanism with the protruding edge at least partly enclosing the end parts of the tapered outlet.

[0076] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the closure element is dimensioned such that the protruding edge, when being moved from an opening state to the sealing state, in which opening state the closure element is arranged in the interior in such a way that a path bypassing the closure element exists from any point of the interior to the exit area and in which opening state the closure element is displaced along the axis of the tapered outlet away from the exit area, scrapes at least a part of the inner outlet surface of the tapered outlet, in particular of the first truncated right cone part. When moving from an opening state to the sealing state, the closure element may be moved towards the exit area.

[0077] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the second section is embodied in such a way that in the sealing state it exerts a force on the tapered outlet, with the force being a restoration force acting to restore the shape of the closure element to its undeformed overall shape.

[0078] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the closure element is in one piece, in particular in a single piece.

[0079] Compared to closure elements as known from the prior art for tapered outlets, a one-piece closure element advantageously minimises places where bulk material, dust or other contaminants may be stuck. Compared to cone valves as known in the prior art, a one-piece closure element further has the advantage that no seal or parts thereof may detach from the cone valve. A further advantage of a one-piece closure element may be that the entire closure element may be made of a fully recyclable plastic material, while cone valves as known in the prior art comprise compositions of steel, rubber and glue and are therefore not suitable or more difficult to recycle.

[0080] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the plastic material is embodied as polypropylene or polyethylene. The closure element may be made of more than one plastic material.

[0081] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0082] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, at a distal end of the second section with respect to the first section, the second section comprises a circumferentially extending recess, with the recess separating the second section at the distal end into two distal second section portions, wherein the protruding edge is arranged on the distal second section portion of the two distal second section portions that is further away from the axis of revolution of the second section than the other of the two distal second section portions.

[0083] For each plane defined by (i) a generatrix of the outer surface of the first section and (ii) the axis of the outer surface of the first section, the shape of the part of the recess lying in that plane is substantially independent of the specific selected generatrix. The recess may be embodied such that a main recess direction of extent of the recess may be substantially parallel to the main direction of extent of the second section, i.e. the recess may substantially extend from the distal end towards the connection of the second section with the first section. Preferentially, if measured along the main direction of extent, the recess is shorter than the entire second section. Preferentially, the recess does not extend to those parts of the second section where the third section connects to the second section.

[0084] The recess may be arranged such that the distal end of the second section is split into two distal second section portions. The protruding edge of the second section may be arranged on the distal second section portion of the two distal second section portions that is further away from the axis of revolution. The term "further away" may refer to a distance as measured along a direction that is orthogonal to the axis of revolution and that crosses the axis of revolution.

[0085] Through the recess, the part of the second section where the protruding edge is arranged may be thinner and thereby more flexible, advantageously increasing deformability and helping to improve scraping behaviour of the protruding edge.

[0086] In a further embodiment of the closure element according to the invention, the second section comprises a circumferentially extending groove arranged on a side of the second section that faces the axis of revolution of the second section.

[0087] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0088] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG For each plane defined by (i) a generatrix of the outer surface of the first section and (ii) the axis of the outer surface of the first section, the shape of the part of the groove lying in that plane is substantially independent of the specific selected generatrix. In each such plane, the groove preferentially may have a rectangular shape; alternatively, the groove may have other shapes besides a rectangular shape, however.

[0089] The groove of the closure element may interact with an expandable seal fixedly mounted to the contact member of the actuation arrangement. The expandable seal may be pneumatically controlled, i.e. expanded or shrunk, for example. The groove of the closure element may be arranged such that when the contact member of the actuation arrangement is in direct contact with the closure element and the expandable seal is expanded, the expanded seal extends into the groove of the closure element and thereby helps in firmly gripping the closure element by the contact member and thereby by the actuation arrangement. Advantageously, the closure element may therefore be more reliably displaced by the actuation arrangement.

[0090] In a second aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a closure arrangement for an intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet, with the tapered outlet comprising a first truncated right cone part and a second truncated right cone part, with the axis of the first truncated right cone part being coincident with the axis of the second truncated right cone part, wherein an angle between a generatrix of the first truncated right cone part and the axis of the first truncated right cone part is between 10° and 22°, in particular between 14° to 18°, preferentially equal to 16°, and wherein an angle between a generatrix of the second truncated right cone part and the axis of the second truncated right cone part is between 20° to 40°, in particular between 25° to 35°, preferentially equal to 30°, wherein the tapered outlet encloses an interior at least partly and wherein an exit area of the tapered outlet is provided at the truncated end of the first truncated right cone part. The closure arrangement comprises (i) a closure element according to the invention, wherein the closure element may be arranged in the interior enclosed at least partly by the tapered outlet, and (ii) an actuation arrangement for selectively lifting or lowering the closure element relatively to the tapered outlet, wherein the actuation arrangement comprises a contact member and a displacement mechanism for moving the contact member in a translatory manner, wherein the contact member may be brought into

[0091] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0092] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG direct contact and in particular mechanically or pneumatically connected with the closure element.

[0093] The actuation arrangement is configured for selectively lifting or lowering the closure element along the axis of the tapered outlet. The actuation arrangement comprises a contact member that can pass at least partially through the exit area of the tapered outlet. The contact member may be used for establishing a direct contact, in particular through partial connection, with the closure element, i.e. the actuation arrangement may actuate the closure element via the contact member. Actuation arrangements as known in the prior art may be used.

[0094] In an embodiment of the closure arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention, the actuation arrangement comprises an annular seal, wherein the annular seal may be in direct contact with an outer outlet surface of the tapered outlet, wherein the outer outlet surface faces away from the interior.

[0095] The annular seal may seal the outer outlet surface of the tapered outlet. The annular seal may therefore prevent dust from escaping or other foreign contaminants from mixing in with bulk material released from the intermediate bulk container.

[0096] In a further embodiment of the closure arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention, the actuation arrangement comprises an expandable seal fixedly mounted to the contact member, and the expandable seal of the actuation arrangement and the groove of the closure element are arranged such that when the contact member is brought into direct contact with the closure element and the expandable seal is expanded, the expandable seal extends into the groove of the closure element.

[0097] The expandable seal may be embodied as an inflatable seal that may be inflated or deflated, for example. The expandable seal may also be embodied as a flat seal that expands outwards, i.e. away from the contact member and towards the groove of the closure element, if subjected to a vertical compression by a suitable compression mechanism of the actuation arrangement. Preferentially, the expandable seal extends fully around the contact member, i.e. forms a closed loop around the contact member. This way, the expandable seal may interact optimally with the groove of the closure element.

[0098] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0099] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG In a further embodiment of the closure arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention, the contact member comprises an actuation cone, wherein an angle between a generatrix of the actuation cone and the axis of the actuation cone is equal to the angle of the outer surface of the first section of the closure element, wherein the axis of the actuation cone is coincident with the axis of the outer surface, and wherein the displacement mechanism is embodied such that the actuation cone may be moved in a translatory manner along the axis of the actuation cone to directly contact and in particular connect with the closure element at an inner surface of the first section.

[0100] When the closure element is arranged in the tapered outlet, the inner surface of the first section may face the exit area of the tapered outlet. The actuation cone may also be termed probe.

[0101] In a further embodiment of the closure arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention, the actuation arrangement comprises a hopper body, wherein the annular seal is arranged on the hopper body, in particular on an inlet of the hopper body.

[0102] The hopper body may provide the function of a funnel. Bulk material released from the intermediate bulk container by selectively lifting the closure element in the tapered outlet using the actuation arrangement may flow into the hopper body. As the annular seal is arranged on the hopper body, specifically on the part of the hopper body in vicinity of the tapered outlet, access to the hopper body from above may only be obtained through the tapered outlet, i.e. the annular seal may seal an otherwise available access area to the hopper body around the tapered outlet.

[0103] In a further embodiment of the closure arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention, the contact member comprises at least one retainer element, wherein the expandable seal is fixedly mounted to the at least one retainer element of the contact member.

[0104] In case the at least one retainer element is retrofitted to a pre-existing contact member without a retainer element, the at least one retainer element preferentially may comprise a plurality of retainer elements, with any two neighbouring retainer elements of the plurality of retainer elements being separated from one another by a gap after being retrofitted to the pre-existing contact member and with the plurality of retainer elements circumferentially extending around

[0105] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0106] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG the pre-existing contact member after being retrofitted to the pre-existing contact member. The expandable seal may be fixedly mounted to the plurality of retainer elements. Having a plurality of retainer elements may help in arranging respectively fixedly mounting the retainer elements on a pre-existing contact member. Preferentially, the plurality of retainer elements is arranged such on the pre-existing contact member that the gap between neighbouring retainer elements is small, i.e. the plurality of retainer elements is preferentially arranged tightly on the preexisting contact member.

[0107] In case the contact member is from the start built with a retainer element, preferentially the contact member is formed such that it comprises one retainer element that is substantially shaped in a closed-loop manner.

[0108] In a further embodiment of the closure arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention, the at least one retainer element is shaped such that, when the contact member is brought into direct contact with the closure element and the expandable seal is expanded, the expanding seal is guided by the at least one retainer element towards the groove of the closure element.

[0109] In case of a plurality of retainer elements, each retainer element preferentially is shaped such that, when the contact member is brought into direct contact with the closure element and the expandable seal is expanded, the expanding seal is guided by the respective retainer element towards the groove of the closure element.

[0110] In a third aspect of the invention, the invention relates to an intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet, with the tapered outlet comprising a first truncated right cone part and a second truncated right cone part connected to the first truncated right cone part, with the axis of the first truncated right cone part being coincident with the axis of the second truncated right cone part, wherein an angle between a generatrix of the first truncated right cone part and the axis of the first truncated right cone part is between 10° and 22°, in particular between 14° to 18°, preferentially equal to 16°, and wherein an angle between a generatrix of the second truncated right cone part and the axis of the second truncated right cone part is between 20° to 40°, in particular between 25° to 35°, preferentially equal to 30°, wherein the tapered outlet encloses an interior at least partly and wherein an exit area of the tapered outlet is provided at the

[0111] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0112] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG truncated end of the first truncated right cone part, wherein the intermediate bulk container comprises a closure arrangement according to the second aspect of the invention, with the closure element of the invention being arranged in the tapered outlet.

[0113] In an embodiment of the intermediate bulk container according to the third aspect of the invention, end part of the tapered outlet facing the exit area are rounded or chamfered.

[0114] The end part of the tapered outlet facing the exit area may be rounded or chamfered to facilitate the protruding edge to pass the tapered outlet when being moved from an opening state to the sealing state or from the sealing state to an opening state.

[0115] Other advantageous embodiments and combinations of features come out from the detailed description below and the entirety of the claims.

[0116] Brief description of the drawings

[0117] The drawings used to explain the embodiments show:

[0118] Fig. 1 shows an illustrative depiction of a tapered outlet and a closure element in an opening state;

[0119] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the embodiment of Fig. 1;

[0120] Fig. 3 shows an illustrative depiction of the tapered outlet and the closure element of Fig. 1 in the sealing state;

[0121] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the embodiment of Fig. 3;

[0122] Fig. 5 shows different views and details of the closure element of the embodiment of Fig. 1;

[0123] Fig. 6 shows different views and details of a closure element having a third section with both a first region and a second region;

[0124] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view through part of a closure element;

[0125] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0126] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG Fig. 8 shows cross-sectional views through part of a closure element and a contact member of an actuation arrangement; and

[0127] Fig. 9 shows different views of contact members of an actuation arrangement and of a retainer element.

[0128] In the figures, the same components are given the same reference symbols.

[0129] Preferred embodiments

[0130] Fig. 1 shows an illustrative depiction of a tapered outlet 2 and a closure element 1 in an opening state. The closure element 1 comprises a first section 9, a second section 12 and a third section 16, with the three sections being connected. In the embodiment of Fig. 1, the third section only comprises a first region 16 that is discretely rotationally symmetric and no second region, which second region is only shown in the embodiment of Fig. 6 discussed further below. For the sake of clarity of depiction of Figs. 1 to 4, the bearing surfaces of the third section, at which bearing surfaces the closure element contacts the tapered outlet in the sealing state, are not shown with reference signs. In Figs. 5c and 6c discussed further below, the bearing surface 22 for one triangular support element 18 of the first region 16 of the third section are provided with a reference sign. The first section 9 comprises an outer surface 10, which outer surface substantially corresponds to a right cone. In the depiction of Fig. 1, three generatrices 20 are depicted, wherein generatrices extend between the base of the right cone and the apex. These three generatrices 20 are only depicted for illustrative purposes - the outer surface 10 in fact comprises infinitely many generatrices. As the outer surface 10 substantially corresponds to a right cone, all generatrices 20 have a same angle (not shown in Fig. 1) between themselves and the axis of the outer surface (not shown in Fig. 1).

[0131] The first section 9 is connected to the second section 12 that corresponds to a solid of revolution, with the axis of revolution of the second section being coincident with the axis of the outer surface of the first section. The second section 12 is connected to a plurality of triangular support elements forming the third section 16. The plurality of triangular support elements forming the third section 16 are spaced in an angularly uniform manner around the second section 12.

[0132] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0133] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG Accordingly, the third section 16 of Fig. 1 comprises a discrete rotational symmetry. At a distal end of the second section 12 with respect to the first section 9, a protruding edge 13 pointing away from the axis of revolution is present.

[0134] The tapered outlet 2 comprises a first truncated right cone part 3 and a second truncated right cone part 4 connected to the first truncated right cone part 3. At the truncated end of the first truncated right cone part 3, an exit area 7 is formed. The exit area comprises a diameter 8. The tapered outlet 2 encloses at least partly an interior 6.

[0135] The tapered outlet 2 is the tapered outlet of an intermediate bulk container. For illustrative purposes, the intermediate bulk container is not shown in Fig. 1. In practice, however, the tapered outlet 2 would be connected at the base part of the second truncated right cone part 4 to the remainder of the intermediate bulk container so that the closure element 1 would be within the intermediate bulk container.

[0136] In Fig. 1, the closure element 1 is in an opening state and separated from the tapered outlet 2. Accordingly, the closure element 1 does not prevent flow of solids through the exit area 7 of the tapered outlet 2.

[0137] Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view through the embodiment of Fig. 1. In Fig. 2, a view is shown through two triangular support elements 18 of the third section 16. The axis 11 of the outer surface 10 forms an angle with respect to any generatrix of the outer surface 10, specifically with respect to the two generatrices present in the plane view of Fig. 2. In the view shown in Fig. 2, two triangular support elements 18 are visible as well. The cross-sectional view of Fig. 2 shows axial symmetry around the axis 11 of the outer surface 10. The two triangular support elements 18 therefore comprise two principal directions of extent 17 that form a same angle a with respect to the respective generatrix of the outer surface 10. In Fig. 2, two main directions of extent 14 of the second section are indicated as well. Between the main directions of extent 14 and the corresponding principal directions of extent 17, an angle e is formed.

[0138] The triangular support elements 18 have varying thickness. Starting from the connection region between the first section and the second section and proceeding along the main direction of extent 14 towards the protruding edge 13, the thickness of the triangular support elements 18

[0139] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0140] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG first increases before decreasing again. As the second section and the third section are made a plastic material, the closure element may be at least partly deformed, in particular bent, in the connection region between the first section and the second section, for example. In case the first section is also made of a plastic material, the first section may also be at least partly deformable in a reversible manner.

[0141] The triangular support elements 18 and the second section are embodied in such a way that the principal directions of extent 17 may be arranged parallel to the second truncated right cone part 4. When the closure element is inserted into the tapered outlet, the triangular support elements 18 are thereby in contact with, in particular supported by, the second truncated right cone part 4 and further movement of the closure element towards the exit area of the tapered outlet is prevented. The second truncated right cone part 4 has an angle 6 between any generatrix and the axis 5 of the second truncated right cone part, and the first truncated right cone part 3 has an angle y between any generatrix and the axis 5 of the first truncated right cone part.

[0142] As shown in Fig. 2, the second section is such that a diameter of an inner region enclosed by the second section increases when proceeding from the connection region between the first section and second section towards the protruding edge 13. The second section may thus also be seen as a truncated right cone. This widening of the second section advantageously leads to an improved positioning of the closure element in the tapered outlet, specifically as the diameter 15 of the second section at the distal end with respect to the first section is larger than the diameter 8 of the exit area of the tapered outlet: when the closure element is in the sealing state as discussed below with reference to Figs. 3 and 4, elastic restoration forces push the second section against the tapered outlet and thereby provide an improved retention of the closure element in the tapered outlet. As the closure element is further made of plastic materials, it may advantageously be sufficiently at least partly deformable so that the closure element may be inserted into the intermediate bulk container through the exit area of the tapered outlet.

[0143] Fig. 3 shows the tapered outlet and the closure element of Figs. 1 and 2 in the sealing state, in which sealing state the closure element blocks passage, in particular access, to the exit area of

[0144] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0145] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG the tapered outlet. As shown in Fig. 3, in the sealing state the triangular support elements of the third section 16 are in contact with the second truncated right cone part 4 of the tapered outlet.

[0146] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view through the embodiment of Fig. 3. When in the sealing state, the principal directions of extent 17 of the triangular support elements of the third section are parallel to the corresponding generatrices of the second truncated right cone part 4 of the tapered outlet. The closure element thus rests on the tapered outlet through its third section. As further shown in Fig. 4, the protruding edge 13 of the second section is clipped below the end parts of the tapered outlet, which end parts of rounded or chamfered. The clipping advantageously reduces the likelihood of tilting of the closure element in the tapered outlet. As the diameter of the second section at the distal end with respect to the first section is further larger than the diameter of the exit area, when moving the closure element from the position shown in Fig. 2 to the sealing position of Fig. 3, the protruding edge 13 scrapes / cleans part of the inner outlet surface of the tapered outlet. The second section is further pushed against the tapered outlet due to elastic restoration forces acting to restore the second section to its undeformed state. These restoration forces advantageously further improve sealing performance of the closure element.

[0147] Fig. 5 shows different views and details of the closure element 1 of the embodiment of Fig. 1. In Fig. 5d, a perspective view of the closure element 1 is shown. In Fig. 5a, a view of the closure element 1 from above is shown. In Fig. 5a, the angularly uniform spacing of the triangular support elements of the first region 16 of the third section is visible. In Fig. 5b, a cross-sectional view through the closure element 1 is shown along line A-A, which line A-A is graphically illustrated in Fig. 5a. In the embodiment of Fig. 5, the closure element 1 has an overall height of 300 mm. In Fig. 5c, a detailed cross-sectional view through the second section and a triangular support element with bearing surface 22 is shown. The detailed view of Fig. 5c corresponds to an enlarged view of area 'B' as graphically illustrated in Fig. 5b. In both Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, a simple number refers to sizes measured in millimetres, while a number preceded with the letter 'R' refers to a radius measured in millimetres. Comparing Fig. 5c and Fig. 6c with Figs. 1 to 4, in Figs. 5c and 6c the protruding edge is better visible.

[0148] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0149] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG Fig. 6 shows different views of a closure element having a third section with both a first region 16 and a second region 23. In the embodiment of Fig. 6, the first region comprises four triangular support elements spaced in an angularly uniform manner around the second section, and the second region 23 comprises four support elements 23 which are also spaced in an angularly uniform manner around the second section. Each of the four support elements 23 comprises a direction of protrusion 21 which is shown in both the view of Fig. 6a from above and in the detailed cross-sectional view of Fig. 6c. The four support elements 23 are arranged such that their directions of protrusion 21 are parallel to one another.

[0150] Depending on the precise position of the four support elements 23 on the second section, the four bearing surfaces (not provided with reference signs in Fig. 6) of these four support elements 23 have different inclinations. In general, the bearing surfaces of each support element are such that the respective support element 23 may extensively contact the tapered outlet when in the sealing state, i.e. the bearing surfaces are adapted to the local curvature of the tapered outlet at the positions where tapered outlet and support elements contact in the sealing state.

[0151] The closure element 1 of the embodiment of Fig. 6 may advantageously be fabricated in a simple manner using injection moulding. For injection moulding, two moulding halves may be used which touch at line A-A as visible in Fig. 6a, forming a moulding cavity into which a heated plastic material may be injected. As all four support elements 23 and the two triangular support elements of the first region 16 that are most distanced from the line A-A are oriented in a same direction, the two moulding halves may advantageously be easily separated from one another by relative movement of the two moulding halves in a direction orthogonal to line A-A.

[0152] Fig. 7 shows a cross-sectional view through part of a closure element. The closure element of Fig. 7 is similar to the closure element of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4: the closure element of Fig. 7 additionally comprises a groove 24 and a recess 25. In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, the groove 24 is shaped in a rectangular manner. In the cross-sectional view of Fig. 7, the recess 25 extends from the distal end of the second section upwards, with the recess 25 having a recess main direction of extent 26 along which the recess 25 mostly extends. The recess main direction of extent 26 is substantially parallel to the main direction of extent 14 of the second section. The recess 25 is positioned such in the second section that, at the distal end of the second section,

[0153] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0154] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG 1 the recess 25 separates the second section into two distal second section portions 27 , 28. The protruding edge 13 of the second section is arranged at the distal second section portion 28 that is further away from the axis of revolution (not shown in Fig. 7) of the second section than the other distal second section portion 27.

[0155] Fig. 8 shows two cross-sectional views through part of a closure element and a contact member of an actuation arrangement. The closure element 1 of Fig. 8 is similar to the closure element of Fig. 7 , i.e. it also comprises a recess and a groove 24. The closure element 1 in Fig. 8 is arranged in the tapered outlet, with the first truncated right cone part 3 and the second truncated right cone part 4 of the tapered outlet being visible and with the protruding edge of the closure element being clipped with the end parts of the tapered outlet. In Fig. 8, part of a contact member 29 of an actuation arrangement for lifting / lowering the closure element 1 is shown as well. An expandable seal 30 is fixedly arranged on the contact member 29, specifically on at least one retainer element 31 of the contact member 29. In Fig. 8a, the expandable seal 30 is shown before being expanded, and in Fig. 8b the expandable seal 30 is shown in an expanded state. The expanded seal 30 of Fig. 8b extends into the groove 24 of the closure element l and provides for a further mechanical connection between the actuation arrangement and the closure element.

[0156] The at least one retainer element 31 of the contact member 29 is shaped such that during expansion, the expanding seal 30 is guided by the at least one retainer element 31 towards the groove 24 of the closure element 1. As may be seen in Fig. 8, the at least one retainer element 31 comprises a protruding section at one of its ends, with the protruding section pointing towards the other end of the at least one retainer element 31. This protruding section is arranged at the end of the at least one retainer element 31 that is closer to the actuation cone (not shown in Fig. 8 but visible in Fig. 9) of the contact member 29 than the other end of the at least one retainer element 31. The protruding section of the at least one retainer element 31 advantageously helps preventing a movement of the expandable seal 30 towards the actuation cone. When the closure arrangement is installed in an envisioned manner, the protruding section of the at least one retainer 31 advantageously helps preventing an upward movement of the expandable seal 30 with respect to the axis of gravity.

[0157] 28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0158] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG Fig. 9a shows a perspective view of a contact member 29. As visible in Fig. 9a, the contact member 29 comprises an actuation cone whose shape is adapted to the shape of the closure element. A plurality of retainer elements 31 circumferentially extends around the (pre-existing) contact member 29, i.e. the plurality of retainer elements 31 is arranged on a pre-existing contact member 29 without a retainer element. Any two neighbouring retainer elements 31 are separated from one another by a small gap. An expandable seal may be fixedly mounted on the plurality of retainer elements 31 as shown in Fig. 9b. Fig. 9c shows a perspective view of a retainer element 31 of the plurality of retainer elements 31. In Fig. 9c, the protruding section that is arranged at the end of the retainer element 31 that is closer to the actuation cone is visible, with the protruding section pointing towards the other end of the retainer element 31.

[0159] 28619-WOl ADH Keller Schneider Patent-

[0160] 11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG

Claims

29Claims1. Closure element (1) for an intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet (2), with the tapered outlet (2) comprising a first truncated right cone part (3) and a second truncated right cone part (4) connected to the first truncated right cone part (4), with the axis (5) of the first truncated right cone part (3) being coincident with the axis (5) of the second truncated right cone part (4), wherein an angle (y) between a generatrix of the first truncated right cone part (3) and the axis (5) of the first truncated right cone part (3) is between 10° and 22°, in particular between 14° to 18°, preferentially equal to 16°, and wherein an angle (6) between a generatrix of the second truncated right cone part (4) and the axis (5) of the second truncated right cone part (4) is between 20° to 40°, in particular between 25° to 35°, preferentially equal to 30°, wherein the tapered outlet (2) encloses an interior (6) at least partly and wherein an exit area (7) of the tapered outlet (2) is provided at the truncated end of the first truncated right cone part (3), wherein the closure element (1) is at least partially made of plastic material and has, in the absence of external forces acting on it, an undeformed overall shape in an undeformed state, and wherein the closure element (1) comprises a) a first section (9), with an outer surface (10) of the first section (9) substantially corresponding to a right cone in the undeformed state, wherein in the undeformed state an angle (P) between a generatrix of the outer surface (10) and the axis (11) of the outer surface is between 40° and 50°, and wherein in a sealing state, the closure element (1) is oriented relatively to the tapered outlet (2) such that the outer surface (10) of the first section (9) is oriented away from the exit area (7) and the base of the outer surface (10) of the first section (9) faces the exit area (7), and wherein in the sealing state, the closure element (1) is arranged in the interior (6) of the tapered outlet (2) in such a way that it seals part of the interior which faces the outer surface (10) from the exit area (7), b) a second section (12) connected to the first section (9) and embodied as a solid of revolution in the undeformed state, wherein the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12) corresponds to the axis (11) of the outer surface of the first section (9),28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG30 wherein the second section (12) comprises a protruding edge (13), with the protruding edge (13) pointing away from the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12), and c) a third section (16) connected to the second section (12), wherein the third section (16, 23) extends circumferentially around the second section (12), wherein the third section (16, 23) comprises at least one bearing surface (22), and wherein the closure element (1) is such that in the sealing state, at least the at least one bearing surface (22) is in contact with the tapered outlet (2).

2. Closure element (1) according to claim 1, wherein the protruding edge (13) of the second section (12) is at a distal end of the second section with respectto the first section (9), and / or wherein the second section (12) and the third section (16) are made of plastic material.

3. Closure element (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third section (16, 23) comprises a first region (16), which first region is at least discretely rotationally symmetric with respect to the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12), and wherein the first region (16) of the third section (16, 23) comprises, in a plane in which the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12) lies, a principal direction of extent (17), wherein an angle (a) between the principal direction of extent (17) and a generatrix of the outer surface (10), which generatrix lies in the plane, is between 60° to 90°, in particular between 70° to 80°, preferentially equal to 75°.

4. Closure element (1) according to claim 3, wherein the first region (16) of the third section (16, 23) comprises N triangular support elements (18), in particular four triangular support elements (18), which point away from the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12), with N being an even or odd natural number greater than or equal to four, wherein the N triangular support elements (18) are arranged at a substantially same height with respect to the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12), and wherein the N triangular support elements (18) are spaced in an angularly uniform manner around the second section (12) with an angle of 360° / / V between any two neighbouring triangular support elements (18), and wherein each of the N triangular support elements (18) comprises a respective bearing surface (22) at which in the sealing state the respective triangular support element (18) is in contact with the tapered outlet (2), wherein the principal direction of extent (17) is28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AGsubstantially parallel to the N bearing surfaces (22) of the N triangular support elements (18).

5. Closure element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the third section (16, 23) comprises a second region (23), which second region comprises M support elements (23) that point away from the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12), wherein each of the M support elements (23) comprises a respective direction of protrusion (21), with the M directions of protrusion (21) being parallel to one another and in particular parallel to a plane in which the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12) lies and which plane passes through the apex of the outer surface (10) of the first section (9), wherein each of the M support elements (23) comprises a respective bearing surface (22) at which in the sealing state the respective support element (18) is in contact with the tapered outlet (2).

6. Closure element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in the undeformed state, a diameter (15) of the second section (12) at a distal end of the second section with respect to the first section (9) is larger than the diameter (8) of the exit area (7).

7. Closure element (1) according to claim 6, wherein the closure element is deformable in a direction orthogonal to the axis (11) of the outer surface (10) to such an extent that the distal end of the second section (12) with respect to the first section (9) is movable along the axis of the first truncated right cone part (3) and of the second truncated right cone part (4) through the exit area (7) into the interior (6) that is at least partly enclosed by the tapered outlet (2).

8. Closure element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tapered outlet (2) comprises an inner outlet surface which faces the interior (6), and wherein the closure element (1) is dimensioned in such a way that in the sealing state, the third section (16) is in direct contact with the inner outlet surface of the tapered outlet (2) and the protruding edge (13) of the second section (12) is in direct contact with end parts of the tapered outlet (2) facing the exit area, wherein in the sealing state the protruding edge (13) and the end parts of the tapered outlet (2) together provide a clipping mechanism with the protruding edge (13) at least partly enclosing the end parts of the tapered outlet (2).28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG9. Closure element (1) according to claim 8, wherein the closure element is dimensioned such that the protruding edge (13), when being moved from an opening state to the sealing state, in which opening state the closure element is arranged in the interior (6) in such a way that a path bypassing the closure element exists from any point of the interior to the exit area (7) and in which opening state the closure element (1) is displaced along the axis (5) of the first truncated right cone part (3) and of the second truncated right cone part (4) away from the exit area (7), scrapes at least a part of the inner outlet surface of the tapered outlet (2), in particular of the first truncated right cone part (3).

10. Closure element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section (12) is embodied in such a way that in the sealing state it exerts a force on the tapered outlet (2), with the force being a restoration force acting to restore the shape of the closure element (1) to its undeformed overall shape, and / or wherein the closure element (1) is in one piece, in particular in a single piece, and / or wherein the plastic material is embodied as polypropylene or polyethylene.

11. Closure element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at a distal end of the second section (12) with respect to the first section (9), the second section (12) comprises a circumferentially extending recess (25), with the recess (25) separating the second section (12) at the distal end into two distal second section portions (27, 28), wherein the protruding edge (13) is arranged on the distal second section portion (28) of the two distal second section portions (27, 28) that is further away from the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12).

12. Closure element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second section (12) comprises a circumferentially extending groove (24) arranged on a side of the second section (12) that faces the axis (11) of revolution of the second section (12).

13. Closure arrangement for an intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet (2), with the tapered outlet (2) comprising a first truncated right cone part (3) and a second truncated right cone part (4) connected to the first truncated right cone part (3), with the axis (5) of the first truncated right cone part (3) being coincident with the axis (5) of the second truncated right cone part (4), wherein an angle (y) between a generatrix of the first truncated28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG33 right cone part (3) and the axis (5) of the first truncated right cone part (3) is between 10° and 22°, in particular between 14° to 18°, preferentially equal to 16°, and wherein an angle (6) between a generatrix of the second truncated right cone part (4) and the axis (5) of the second truncated right cone part (4) is between 20° to 40°, in particular between 25° to 35°, preferentially equal to 30°, wherein the tapered outlet (2) encloses an interior (6) at least partly and wherein an exit area (7) of the tapered outlet (2) is provided at the truncated end of the first truncated right cone part (3), wherein the closure arrangement comprises (i) a closure element (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the closure element (1) may be arranged in the interior (6) enclosed at least partly by the tapered outlet (2), and (ii) an actuation arrangement for selectively lifting or lowering the closure element (1) relatively to the tapered outlet (2), wherein the actuation arrangement comprises a contact member (29) and a displacement mechanism for moving the contact member (29) in a translatory manner, wherein the contact member (29) may be brought into direct contact and in particular mechanically or pneumatically connected with the closure element (1).

14. Closure arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the actuation arrangement comprises an annular seal, wherein the annular seal may be in direct contact with an outer outlet surface of the tapered outlet (2), wherein the outer outlet surface faces away from the interior (6).

15. Closure arrangement according to claim 14, wherein the actuation arrangement comprises a hopper body, wherein the annular seal is arranged on the hopper body, in particular on an inlet of the hopper body.

16. Closure arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 15 and with the closure element (1) of the closure arrangement being embodied according to claim 12, wherein the actuation arrangement comprises an expandable seal (30) fixedly mounted to the contact member (29), and wherein the expandable seal (30) of the actuation arrangement and the groove (24) of the closure element (1) are arranged such that when the contact member (29) is brought into direct contact with the closure element (1) and the expandable seal (30) is expanded, the expanded seal (30) extends into the groove (24) of the closure element (1).28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG3417. Closure arrangement according to claim 16, wherein the contact member (29) comprises at least one retainer element (31), wherein the expandable seal (31) is fixedly mounted to the at least one retainer element (31) of the contact member (29).

18. Closure arrangement according to claim 17, wherein the at least one retainer element (31) is shaped such that, when the contact member (29) is brought into direct contact with the closure element (1) and the expandable seal (30) is expanded, the expanding seal (31) is guided by the at least one retainer element (31) towards the groove (24) of the closure element (1).

19. Closure arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 18, wherein the contact member (29) comprises an actuation cone, wherein an angle between a generatrix of the actuation cone and the axis of the actuation cone is equal to the angle (P) of the outer surface (10) of the first section (9) of the closure element (1), wherein the axis of the actuation cone is coincident with the axis (11) of the outer surface (10), and wherein the displacement mechanism is embodied such that the actuation cone may be moved in a translatory manner along the axis of the actuation cone to directly contact and in particular connect with the closure element (1) at an inner surface of the first section (9).

20. Intermediate bulk container with a tapered outlet (2), with the tapered outlet (2) comprising a first truncated right cone part (3) and a second truncated right cone part (4) connected to the first truncated right cone part (3), with the axis (5) of the first truncated right cone part (3) being coincident with the axis (5) of the second truncated right cone part (4), wherein an angle (y) between a generatrix of the first truncated right cone part (3) and the axis (5) of the first truncated right cone part (3) is between 10° and 22°, in particular between 14° to 18°, preferentially equal to 16°, and wherein an angle (6) between a generatrix of the second truncated right cone part (4) and the axis (5) of the second truncated right cone part (4) is between 20° to 40°, in particular between 25° to 35°, preferentially equal to 30°, wherein the tapered outlet (2) encloses an interior (6) at least partly and wherein an exit area (7) of the tapered outlet (2) is provided at the truncated end of the first truncated right cone part (3), wherein the intermediate bulk container comprises a closure arrangement according to any one of claims 13 to 19, with the closure element (1) according to any one of claims 1 to28619-WO1 ADH Keller Schneider Patent-11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG12 being arranged in the tapered outlet (2), and wherein in particular end parts of the tapered outlet (2) facing the exit area (7) are rounded or chamfered.28619-WOl ADH Keller Schneider Patent-11. August 2025 und Markenanwalte AG

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